Jersey still needs better spaces for teenagers and older children to play and socialise, a minister has said – as the Island approaches one year since the launch of its three-year play strategy.
Housing Minister Malcolm Ferey, who is also an Assistant Minister for Children and Families, said research carried out as part of the strategy had found that provision was stronger for younger children – while older children had fewer suitable places to spend their time.
“As part of research, we found that play spaces for younger children are better, but for older children the spaces are not so good,” he said.
“If we can, we should offer young people a nicer alternative to sitting on their computer in the middle of summer – it is good not only for their mental health but to help develop their skills for the working world.
“For me, the play spaces need to be accessible in all ways – have available parking, and be easy to get to.”
Deputy Ferey added that a lack of suitable spaces for teenagers and older children could sometimes lead to perceptions that they were causing trouble when “99 times out of 100” they were simply playing.
Jersey is around nine months into its three-year play strategy, which runs from 2025 to 2028 and aims to improve opportunities available for children.
The plan was developed using feedback from children, parents and subject experts, while findings from a 2023 Jersey Youth Parliament report helped identify challenges around socialisation and safe community spaces for teenagers.
Deputy Ferey stressed that the strategy was not solely focused on playgrounds and equipment.
“This isn’t just about play spaces; it is about using spaces creatively,” he explained.
“We have many woodland spaces, and apparatus is not always needed for play. It is also about teaching parents how to teach their children to play.”
Since the strategy was launched, a number of projects involving play and green spaces have progressed across the Island, although some have faced lengthy delays.
Sandy Park reopens after lengthy closure
Sandy Park, a popular beach-facing playground in Gorey, reopened last month after its equipment had been fenced off for almost a year.
The Parish of Grouville took over the park last June after Jersey’s Infrastructure Department would not renew its lease, but it took more than a year to resolve the ownership transfer.
The lease finally passed through the Royal Court on Friday 12 June.
The park then closed completely in early June ahead of maintenance work, which began on 29 June, with completion targeted for the summer holidays.
On 16 July, the parish announced that the park had reopened.
“The Connetable is happy to announce that Sandy Park has reopened.
“Thank you for your patience whilst maintenance work was being undertaken”, it said.
Inclusive playground planned at Mont à l’Abbé
Plans have also recently been put forward for a new inclusive playground adjoining Mont à l’Abbé School.
The proposed playground has been designed to be safe and accessible, with features including a wheelchair swing, sensory den, “cosy cocoon”, marine activity centre, cobra swing and road markings with traffic lights to encourage imaginative play.
It forms the first phase of a multi-million-pound redevelopment aimed at improving special educational needs education across the Island, which was allocated an increased budget of £41 million last December.
The playground would be built on the field adjoining the school, with secure access and a 2.4-metre metal fence around it to keep students safe and allow it to remain functional when other work begins on the field.
New community garden opens
Meanwhile, a new community garden opened in the north of St Helier on 30 June.
Lieutenant-Governor Vice Admiral Sir Jerry Kyd joined the St Helier Community Trust to officially open the garden, which has transformed what was previously described as a “neglected area”.
The site, next to the former La Pouquelaye School off Fairfield Avenue, was acquired by the trust in 2022.
It has been designed to be as accessible as possible for people of all ages and abilities, including those with mobility issues and those facing health or social challenges.
The garden, which is within walking distance of a densely populated area, includes seating, walking space, scenic views and accessible allotments used by local schools and charities.
Centrepoint and the Jersey Youth Service will also use the site for activities including forest-school sessions, raised allotments and a purpose-built sensory garden.
St Aubin playground given makeover
St Aubin Play Area has also reopened following a major makeover.
Deputy Jonathan Renouf cut the ribbon on the revamped playground on 4 July, with the project meeting its target of reopening in time for the summer holidays.
It is the only playground in the area until the Elephant Park.
Nellie gets a makeover
Meanwhile, Islanders were left confused this summer when the iconic pink elephant slide from the Elephant Park was spotted travelling along Victoria Avenue.
But “Nellie” had simply been removed as work continues at the popular St Brelade park.
The parish is spending up to £300,000 on a new toilet block and drains after parishioners approved the project at an assembly in April.
Proposals to spend £500,000 on the facilities were rejected last year, but concerns continued to be raised about the quality of the facilities at the busy park.
The new block will include a large family space and toilet, three female cubicles and a single male toilet with urinals.
More projects in the pipeline
Deputy Ferey said work was also still “pushing forward” on the development of the Ann Street Youth Centre on the former Ann Street Brewery site in St Helier.
Young people helped design the five-storey centre, which is due to open to the public in summer 2028.
Elsewhere, two fields next to St Saviour’s Parish Hall are being developed into a green space with a children’s play area, nature trail and café after plans were approved in December 2025 under former Constable Kevin Lewis.
Deputy Ferey explained: “It is really important to invest money into spaces and children’s places.
“What was really encouraging for me is we presented this play plan to the Comité of Constables in the old government and they were on board, really recognising that there is a need for more green and play spaces for young people.
“Now I am also Housing Minister, and there is definitely a link. From a housing point of view, there is of course an expectation that where there is housing, there is play space.
“Especially for those living in flats – and the bigger developments are on board with this.”
More can be read about the play plan here.
